June 29, 2003

Tracy Young
Kennedy Space Center 
(321) 867-2468

RELEASE: 51-03

NOTE TO EDITORS: MER-B "OPPORTUNITY" LAUNCH DELAYED

Launch of the MER-B "Opportunity" Mars Exploration Rover aboard a 
Boeing Delta II Heavy launch vehicle has been postponed due to upper 
level wind conditions at launch time.

The next opportunity for launch is at 11:46:14 p.m. EDT, June 29. A 
second opportunity exists at 12:28:07 a.m. EDT, June 30. At this 
time, the weather forecast for the next launch opportunity shows a 
slight improvement with a 30 percent chance of violation of weather 
criteria.

NASA Television countdown coverage will begin at 9:45 p.m., June 29. 

	
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